So I finally got officially started on my Jeep Build. I've had a stock '05 TJ that I've been driving around in for about 6-7 months and I finally pieced together everything I want to do. About a month and a half ago I ordered a set of axles from ECGS. The showed up about 2 weeks ago and I started putting them in last week. The rear is just about done, some of the things they don't tell you is that 12 years of exposure to the elements means they're not exactly "bolt in". But that's more of an annoyance of me forgetting what it's like to wrench on an old vehicle. As far as ECGS's quality, I'm pleased and everything did line right up. In the rear, I went with a Ford 8.8 geared to 3.73:1 and a limited slip. I had them add disc brakes for a little extra stopping power. I threw on an 1.5" budget lift to get me a little more clearance until I plunk down some dough on a proper lift kit. The front is getting a Dana 30 HP with chromoly shafts, also geared in 3.73. I've also purchased a Spartan Locker for the front and plan on dropping that in before it goes under the Jeep. The rest of Phase 1 will be an 1.25" Body lift/1" Motor Mount lift and some 33X10.5R15's.
Phase 2 will be a locker for the rear, tummy tuck and SYE kit, along with a proper 3" lift kit and body armor. I'm looking at Undercover Fab for my tummy tuck/skid plates and Metal Cloak for my lift and body armor. I'm still working out the final phase of my build, but it'll basically be everything I need to step up to 35's or possibly 37's. I'm leaning towards 35's, but it's long enough off that I have time to decide. Plus the build out isn't that much different. Right now I know I'll be adding a big brake kit, and hydro assist steering. I still have to figure out how much wider I'll have to go and all the other details, but some of that is going to have to wait until the first two phases are done.
I would add pictures, but for some reason I'm not allowed. Maybe it's my low post count. Here's a link to Photo Bucket in the mean time: http://s100.photobucket.com/user/BonHolla/library/2017-11- 15%20Jeep%20Build